DISCLAIMER: The statements and opinions regarding staff changes and/or interviews, players and/or potential future players in the article below are those of the AtlantaFalcons.com editorial staff and not the Atlanta Falcons unless noted in a direct quote.
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Atlanta Falcons have reportedly restructured veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins' contract.
ESPN’s Field Yates reported Tuesday the two parties agreed to modify the contract, which does not impact any guaranteed money already owed to Cousins. His 2026 base salary was reduced from $35 million to $2.1 million. His 2027 compensation then gained that $32.9-million difference, creating a $67.9 million vesting guarantee for the 2027 season that would lock in March 13, the third day of the 2026 NFL league year.
The Falcons initially signed Cousins in 2024 to a four-year deal worth up to $180 million. They also drafted quarterback Michael Penix Jr. in the first round that year. The plan was for Cousins to be the starter, while Penix developed as the backup.
Cousins started 14 games during his first year in Atlanta, completing 66.9% of his passes for an average of 250.6 yards per game. He threw for 18 touchdowns and a league-high 16 interceptions. In Week 16, the Falcons sidelined Cousins in favor of Penix due to performance issues. Cousins contributed 7-7 to the Falcons' 8-9 overall record.
Penix then started in 2025 until he sustained a season-ending knee injury in Week 11. Cousins started the remaining seven games. In total, Cousins started eight and appeared in 10 games. He completed 61.7% of his passes for an average of 172.1 yards per game. He threw 10 touchdowns and five interceptions. Cousins was responsible for 5-3 of the Falcons' 8-9 record overall.
After the last Sunday's Week 18 win against the New Orleans Saints, which capped off a four-game win streak, Cousins was asked whether he wants to remain with the Falcons in 2026.
"I would love to be back here," he said. "We'll see how things play out. At this point, you kind of just see where it goes."
DISCLAIMER: The Falcons editorial staff is independently aggregating reports regarding staff changes and/or interviews with potential future members of the organization along with reports regarding players and/or potential future players from select reporters prior to any official announcement from the team. The full list of reporters: Adam Schefter (ESPN), Jeremy Fowler (ESPN), Dan Graziano (ESPN), Ian Rapoport (NFL Network), Tom Pelissero (NFL Network), Mike Garafolo (NFL Network), Jonathan Jones (CBS), Jay Glazer (FOX), Dianna Russini (The Athletic), Jeff Howe (The Athletic), Albert Breer (Sports Illustrated) and Mark Maske (Washington Post).
